asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that butchers and hide merchants have for a long period been unable to dispose of hides and that in some cases stocks of hides are in existence without a demand for them since last November; and, if so, if he will provide a market for these hides in order to obviate their destruction.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Disposal of Hide Stocks.
I am aware that for a certain period this year butchers and hide merchants found difficulty in disposing of hides but, as a result of certain measures already taken by me, the bulk of the accumulated hide stocks have been marketed. I am hopeful that any remaining stocks will be acquired by the tanners at an early date.
Might I ask the Minister when the balances outstanding due to butchers and the like on the hides may be expected to be paid?
That is a completely separate question.
I imagine it is playing some part in the difficulty in disposing of the hides because butchers who are owed £8,000 or £10,000 are reluctant to send their hides to the same point of sale where they have failed to get payment in the past.
It has nothing to do with the disposal of the hides.